Our Team

We have creative and highly qualified staff members, including administration and teachers who plan, implement and evaluate the classroom curriculum to provide your child with the highest quality of early childhood education. The activities planned for the children, the way the environment is organized, the selection of toys and materials, the flow of the daily schedule and the interactions with the children are all designed to accomplish the goals of Toddlertime’s curriculum.

Marnie spent the first 35 years of her life in NYC before heading to New Canaan with her husband and three girls. They soon added a crazy golden retriever Daisy to their family and haven’t looked back. She jumped right in to New Canaan volunteering at her children’s schools and the Garden Club. Marnie has her bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Ohio Wesleyan and a Master’s of Science in Education from Bank Street College in NYC. She taught at the Brearley School for 7 years and 8 years in their admissions department. She loves to read and may someday be a co-author.

Alexandra was born and raised in New Canaan and actually attended Toddlertime! She received her BA from Tulane University and is currently earning her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood and Special Ed. By night she is an aspiring children’s book author as well as a gluten-free baker and photographer, running a creative media business. On weekends she is usually in Vermont, where she can be found on a mountain – hiking in the summer or skiing in the winter.

Suzanne always enjoyed splashing through our car wash during Toddlertimes summer camp and we were thrilled when she said she would work during the school year too. She is originally from CA but has happily lived in New Canaan since 1995. She is a mother of three sons and enjoys watching her – believe it or not – college twins squash matches. In her free time she can be found hiking, skiing or walking her dog around town.

Jen is always ready to run a school program, join a gym game or participate in a sports match- exceling at them all. After subbing and teaching in our enrichment programs we talked her into joining the permanent Toddlertime team. Jen is a longtime resident of New Canaan, even graduating from NCHS. She raised her 2 boys here and believe it or not her oldest is now in college. When she’s not spending time with family and friends she will be outdoors running, playing golf and is an avid tennis and paddle player. She has a sport for every season.

Began with Toddlertime by bringing her smile and enthusiasm to our After’s and Enrichment programs, where she was adored. We were delighted when she also agreed to work in the classroom full time. She is originally from Texas and attended college there. She still loves the energy from a packed stadium. She enjoys, skiing, walking, hiking – anything outdoors and of course music (boot stompin is the best). When not at Toddlertime you will find her putting her creativity to work at cupcake decorating parties. Her youngest son was at Toddlertime and is a teenager now, and, he still has his Toddlertime friends.

You may recognize the last name – or pass it on the shelves at the grocery store, yes that is her families business –tomato products, jelly, olive oil etc. all imported from Italy – manga. Gabby grew up in New Canaan, went to the University of Connecticut and then received her masters from Fairfield University. When not in the classroom or working with the After’s enrichment programs you may find her doing cross fit.

When not showing real estate or rubbing elbows with politicians she is at Toddlertime where she has seamlessly joined the team. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Catholic University and a masters from Fordham and is the proud mother of 3. In her few minutes of spare time she enjoys walking, reading, cooking and is the consummate fashionista.

Having been at Toddlertime for over 25 years, Diane is one of Toddlertimes favorite matriarchs. There is no doubt about it – Diane loves babies (she even collects baby dolls). Her other passion is dogs and she has bred Labrador Retrievers for over 20 years. She has three children, two sons and a daughter – and several phenomenal grandchildren!

Lily has her degree from Purchase in New York, and knew a long time ago that she wanted to teach. Lily hasn’t had a job that didn’t involve educating or working with children – ever! When not at Toddlertime, which isn’t often, she enjoys taking her two dogs for long hikes. If you see someone under a Yankees hat it probably is Lily- an avid supporter and lifelong fan. Lily also enjoys baking and is the best aunt as she takes treats to all her nephews Cub Scout meetings and school functions.

Lead 5’s
A NCHS alumni, Nancy came to Toddlertime as a teacher and now is our summer camp director too. She has an education degree and over 20 years of classroom experience. Nancy brings a tireless passion for creative and innovative teaching. She’s an avid blogger and pinner and stays up to date on everything new. Nancy has instilled in her life and classroom a “can do” attitude that is contagious to all children. When she isn’t teaching preschool, enrichment or running our summer camp, she is on the beach or in NYC exploring with friends. Fun fact -she loves gorillas!

Lead 2’s
Cindy has her Master’s Degree in Early Education from Manhattanville. She lives in New Canaan with her husband and two children, both Toddlertime graduates. Cindy has taught all our age groups and is excellent in them all. She enjoys baking, reading, needlepoint and travel. If you’re lucky, you may get to sample one of her homemade pretzel clusters- delicious! And, if you have seen a jar label from Cinderella Jams that is Cindy’s new business she makes the best homemade jams, all unique and fabulous, just like her.

Cindy comes to us from the great white north with her husband and 2 sons. Originally a Canadian citizen, she became a dual citizen of the USA several years ago lucky for us. She has her degree in Early Childhood Education and has taught for over 10 years. Cindy loves to spend her free time biking and walking all over Wilton (mostly at insanely early hours).

Judy is always on the go and loves being in the classroom, working with your children. She is a twenty year resident of New Canaan and has four children who are all Toddlertime alumni. Judy has her Masters of Education from Fairfield University and was an Enrichment teacher before happily stepping into a Toddlertime classroom. When she isn’t at Toddlertime she loves to exercise and play sports, you may even see her on the roads during one of her long runs.

Lead 4’s
Mary’s desire for education is obvious. She has a Master’s in Education and was on the New Canaan Board of Education for many years. Mary also enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, gardening and traveling to South Carolina in the summer. She is an avid swimmer and can be found most (early) mornings at the YMCA.

Heidi brings her warmth and charisma to Toddlertime. She is a long time New Canaan resident and mother of 2. She recently moved to an in-town location so you may see her walking with her 2 dogs on the weekends. She also enjoys hiking and everything outside.

Cornelia has more than 12 years of teaching experience. She received her undergraduate education in Germany and then came to the states where she went back to school and received her teaching degree. Cornelia joined Toddlertime sharing her imagination, inspiration and experience with your children. Though soft spoken, she can tell you what to do in 3 different languages. She loves to paint with acrylic as her medium, play tennis or curl up with a good book.

Leah is known for her constant smile! She came to Toddertime as a parent, became a substitute teacher and then worked in the enrichment program. While Leah’s children were in school, Leah went to get her teaching degree. Now that her children have graduated from Toddlertime, she is here full time. In her few moments of down time, you may find her walking the dog, running or reading. She enjoys cooking, and loves having dinner with her family.

We are glad Mercedes came east when she left Mexico. There she taught elementary school English and math. Her ease in the classroom and years of experience with children is evident. She is currently working on her early childhood certificate. She enjoys assisting in all our programs, especially enrichment Spanish, her native language. When not studying she enjoys reading, spending time with her children, cooking, especially baking – one of her specialties is flan. Bienvenido.

Ronni brings her smile and warmth to Toddlertime each morning. She came to Toddlertime as a sub and extra pair of hands and we were pleased when she said she would stay as a full time assistant. She is a proud grandmother and adores spending time with all her girls. When not taking walks in New Canaan she enjoys traveling and cooking.

Our Philosophy

Our mission is to provide exciting, innovative learning experiences in a secure and nurturing environment.Learn more.

Curriculum

Not all programs are created equal. We stand apart by making children’s learning experiences exciting and extraordinary. Learn more.

The mission of Toddlertime’s educational program is to provide a foundation for success in life. With this goal in mind, we have been inspired by leaders of education, business, and health fields to create an educational program that not only prepares children for later success in school but also develops key skills which will serve children throughout life.

Beyond creating academic achievement and life skills, we are committed to encouraging each child to develop as a unique individual.